Garden Inspiration From New York's New High Line

See how to add some urban chic to your own stretch of green

Always an interior designer, sometimes a Houzz Contributor. I have a passion for modern clean spaces and timeless vintage decor which makes for a unique eye. I work in Los Angeles but offer e-design services nationally. Visit my website and my blog at http://www.veneerdesigns.com

Always an interior designer, sometimes a Houzz Contributor. I have a passion... More

I just got back from a visit to New York, where one of my first and favorite stops was the new expansion to the High Line, a stretch of elevated train track transformed into a greenway along New York City's West Side. Walking the mile-long path, I noted many enchanting landscape design ideas that you can use to bring a touch of urban chic living in your own backyards this summer.

The new second section of the park doubles its green space and connects three neighborhoods. The mix of live greenery, concrete, rusted metal and warm wood provides an artful color palette to the backdrop of the city.

The entrance to the park starts at the Meat Packing District. As you can see, elevated train lines that were once an abandoned and hideous eyesore have been transformed to a lush oasis in the concrete jungle. Are there any neglected areas of your yard that have potential to be something glorious?

Another main design element is the use of native plants. Let them grow tall and free as long as their placement and relation to each other is thoughtful. Don't worry about them looking like overgrown weeds. There are portions of the High Line that remained untouched, making the difference between neglected weeds and carefully positioned native plants very clear.

Need to hide an unsightly view or a construction material you aren't especially proud of (such as a chain link fence or CMU walls)? Use climbing plants and vines to block out whatever you wish to disappear.

An interesting idea for a lawn is to raise it on a platform above the main level. Consider elevating a small square above ground and using gravel, concrete, or stone on the main level. It will reduce your water bills considerably.

Feel free to be playful when furnishing your outdoor space. A mix of neon green chairs among the standard gunmetal grey bistro tables and seating was delightful choice and added that touch of design edge.

As someone w/ a degree in Landscape Architecture, I have to say, this is my very favorite project of all time. THe plans started right after I got my degree, and I've been obsessively following ever since. IN fact, I paid double my budget to stay at the straddling Standard for ONE night instead of staying the two nights I had planned last time I was in Manhattan, just for the total high line experience. I am so jealous that you have experienced part II that I cannot even stand it. I must go back this summer. Awesome Natalie, thank you so much for sharing!

Brilliant use of urban spaces. New York is so cool. Chicago should do this along the corridors that are abandoned eyesores. Our new Mayor might warm to this - it could include bike paths that would be safe to use and pretty at the same time.

The concept is great! But, reality interferes with a couple of the ideas. The bird feeder and refuge is interesting, but how are you going to to put seed in the feeders? The raised lawn is a poor use of space. It may reduce your water bill, but the maintenance costs will increase for fertilizer and weedkiller chemicals for grass, not to mention getting a lawn mower on that small elevated plot - not sustainable. There is a great deal of concrete. Is it pervious?

Was just on the new portion of the high line in August. It is spectacular, and in the summer, the air is so fresh up above the street traffic. The photo of the bird area is not for birds, those houses are for butterflies, and the small "feeders" are for rainwater to collect. The vegetation provides seeds and source of food for birds. Some of the benches are in comfortable, but others are quite restful. Since these were always elevated tracks, there various stairways to get down to the streets below, one of which has a dozen or so small art galleries and other shops and restaurants. The view of these neighborhoods is great!